Friday, March 28, 2008

Visiting in Prison

The Holy Spirit amazes me sometimes. Have you ever had a Bible verse that you haven't read in a long time to just come into your mind for no reason and it's like it's telling you to do something? Well, I guess I shouldn't say for no reason, because when the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit, it is usually through the Word of God and it is for a reason. Here is what happened....last night I was in my kitchen cooking supper and for some reason I started thinking about someone I know who is in prison right now. And then almost as quickly as the thought of him came to my mind, a verse popped into my mind. And I wasn't even sure if it was really a verse or if I had it mixed up with something else. Here is what it says: 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' I had to go back and check the Bible to see if it really did say something about visiting those in prison.

I've always remembered the feeding, clothing and sick part of these verses, but I have never even thought about the visiting in prison part. We, as a society, usually reject the people who have been convicted of crimes and especially the type of crime this person committed. We think, put that person in prison and give them what they deserve. And then we forget about them. At least, I do. But for some reason, this verse about visiting them in prison was written in bold letters across my brain just after I thought about my relative who is in prison. I want to visit him now. He was a respected man with a good job and a family. But he made some mistakes and now he's suffering the consequences. Jesus doesn't tell us to reject these people, he says that when we visit them then we are doing it unto Him. I have never set foot inside a prison, but now I'm thinking that I need to do this.

Read Matthew 25:31-46

11 comments:

Sandi said...

Our churh has a wonderful prison ministy. I know the women are get encouragers. When it is close to release time they help prepare the person what life will be like on the outside. They even try to help with a job becuse it is hard to find a job. If they repended then need our support now so much. When you visit let us know how we can be praying,.

sister sheri said...

Isn't it awesome how the Holy Spirit can remind us of verses... even ones we've known forever... and shed new light? Yes, let us know so we can be praying... even praying now as the Lord continues to work in your heart... that you are truly seeking Him!

Linda said...

Then maybe you should. Perhaps, this would be the right time to visit. God does seem to speak to us in a very still, small voice.

Kentucky Bound said...

Isn't it so awesome yet frightening when we get a Holy nudge.

Have you ever heard of John "Bull" Bramlett? He has an awesome prison ministry that a group from our church is involved in. Go to www.bramlett.org and take a look through his testimony, etc.

Wherever you go and whomever you come in contact with, I'm sure you will be a blessing!

Liz

Kentucky Bound said...

P.S. On a lighter note . . . TAG! You're it!

Sindi said...

Hello Kat,
I am making my weekly rounds. I will be sending you a rainbow letter soon.

I say if God sent you the message to go then maybe you should go. There has to be a reason He wants you to go.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and God Bless :-)

Lori said...

Amen Kathy!

When my nephew was sent to prison for harming his friend while drinking and driving. This all happened after he and his wife split up. I tried to write him many times a week. He is now out of jail and is very faithful in attending our church services. He is doing his daily Bible reading plus he and is wife are back together.

This is a very good thing you are convicted to do Kathy. God sure can work through you.

Love your friend,

Lori

bp said...

Wow, I had not really thought about the visiting in prison part of that verse either. Very moving! I hope it goes well if you decide to go.

Amel said...

WONDERFUL reminder, Kathy. :-)))

Pilgrim said...

I often wonder if the only thing that separates prisoners from myself is the fact that they were caught. I haven't overtly harmed anyone but could have easily.

You very well may be the the vessel the LORD will use to help the fella you refer to . What a blessing that would be.

prin said...

For me, it depends on the remorse of the person. To sit across from somebody who is nothing good and all evil is bad for any person, regardless of their intentions.

Stay safe. :)